Buddhist Monasteries of Devbhumi Himachal

In God’s Own Backyard

The history of Himachal has played a great role in shaping up the monumental heritage of the state. Thanks to the multi cultural influence that has made it possible for Himachal to give the tourists everything that they can seek for. The most dominating as well as the most highlighted monumental attractions are that of the British landmarks. It is an inevitable fact as they were the ones who ruled this state for the maximum stretch of time. But however, you will find significant effect of Mughal and Hindu architecture as well. This week we are taking you to some Buddhist Monasteries of Himachal.

Buddhist Monasteries of Himachal

The remote valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur have strong Buddhist traditions. Splendid gompas, Buddhist monasteries, built along mountains seem to be a part of the rugged terrain. These are the repositories of a wealth of Buddhist art and culture. The dim, cool interiors of ancient monasteries glow with the brilliance of painted murals, stuccos and elaborate thangkas framed with rich borders of silk. Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama has settled in exile, is a marvelous Tibetan township where an entire cultural tradition is being nurtured. It is a centre that attracts scholars, pilgrims and tourists.

Kye Monastery

Kye Monastery is situated 12 kms. North of Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district and serves the western population of Spiti. It is the oldest and biggest monastery of the valley and located above Kye village. It houses beautiful scriptures and paintings of Buddha and other goddesses. Lamas practice dance, sing and play on pipes and horns. Religious training to Lama’s is imparted here. It has murals and books of high value.

 Dhankar Monastery

Dhankar Monastery is situated about 25 kms. east of Kaza and serves eastern part of central Spiti. Dhankar is a big village and erstwhile capital of Spiti King. On top of a hill there is a fort which used to be a prison in olden times. The Monastery has about 100 Lamas and is in position of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal figure is a Statue of “Vairochana” (Dhayan Buddha) consisting of 4 complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape of paintings and sculptures.

Rewalsar

Rewalsar is the most sacred spot for Buddhists in Himachal Pradesh, about 20 km south west of Mandi. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava departed for Tibet from this beautiful spot, to spread the ‘dharma’. A pagoda-style monastery stands along the edge of the Rewalsar Lake.

 Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery is another large gompa serving the population of eastern side of Lahaul and Spiti. It has its origin in the tenth century old and is located 50 km from Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district. In fame it is next to Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It has about 60 Lamas and houses a large collection of Scriptures, wall paintings etc. Murals of this gompa have similarity to that of the Ajanta paintings.